How much hay should rabbits eat daily?

Unlimited! Hay should be available 24/7 and make up 75-80% of their diet.

Can rabbits eat carrots daily?

No, carrots are high in sugar. Offer small pieces 2-3 times per week as treats.

What type of hay is best for adult rabbits?

Timothy hay is ideal for adults. Young rabbits (under 6 months) can have alfalfa.

How do I know if my rabbit is eating enough?

Monitor weight weekly and watch for consistent droppings production.

Complete Rabbit Diet Guide (Hay, Pellets & Safe Vegetables)

A proper diet is crucial for your rabbit’s digestive health and overall wellbeing. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems that require a specific balance of fiber, nutrients, and fresh foods.

The Foundation: Unlimited Hay

Why Hay is Essential

Hay should make up 75-80% of your rabbit’s diet and provides:

Essential fiber for proper digestion
Dental wear (rabbit teeth grow continuously)
Mental stimulation and natural foraging behavior
Cecotrophy support (eating of special soft droppings)

Types of Hay

Timothy Hay (Best for Adults 6+ months):

Lower calcium and protein
Higher fiber content
Prevents urinary sludge in adults
Multiple cuts available (1st cut = coarser, 3rd cut = softer)

Alfalfa Hay (Young Rabbits Only):

Higher protein and calcium
Good for growing rabbits under 6 months
Pregnant/nursing does
Too rich for most adult rabbits

Other Acceptable Hays:

Orchard grass
Oat hay
Meadow hay

Hay Quality Checklist

✅ Green color (not brown or yellow) ✅ Sweet, fresh smell ✅ Dust-free ✅ No mold or wet spots ✅ Soft texture (especially for elderly rabbits)

High-Quality Pellets

Pellet Guidelines

Amount: 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight daily
Type: Timothy-based pellets (18% fiber minimum)
Age: Under 6 months can have alfalfa-based pellets

What to Look For

Good Pellet Ingredients:

Timothy hay meal (first ingredient)
18-25% crude fiber
12-14% protein (adults)
No seeds, nuts, colored pieces
No added sugars or artificial colors

Recommended Brands:

Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets
Sherwood Pet Health Rabbit Food

Fresh Vegetables (2-4 cups daily)

Safe Daily Vegetables

For a 6-pound rabbit, offer 2-4 cups total daily:

Dark Leafy Greens (Unlimited):

Romaine lettuce
Red or green leaf lettuce
Arugula
Watercress
Dandelion greens
Cilantro
Parsley
Dill

Other Safe Vegetables (Moderate amounts):

Bell peppers (any color)
Carrots (small amounts, high sugar)
Carrot tops (unlimited)
Celery
Cucumber
Zucchini
Bok choy
Brussels sprouts

Introducing New Vegetables

Start slowly: One new vegetable at a time
Small amounts: 1-2 tablespoons initially
Monitor closely: Watch for soft stools or digestive upset
Wait 3-5 days: Before introducing another new food
Build variety: Aim for 3-5 different vegetables daily

Treats & Fruits (Limited)

Safe Fruits (Small portions, 2-3 times per week)

Apple (remove seeds)
Banana (small pieces)
Berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry)
Melon
Papaya
Pear
Pineapple (fresh only)

Healthy Treat Alternatives

Small piece of apple wood
Dried herbs (no additives)
Hay cubes
Small amount of rolled oats

Foods to COMPLETELY Avoid

Toxic/Dangerous Foods

❌ Never feed rabbits:

Chocolate
Avocado
Onions and garlic
Mushrooms
Iceberg lettuce (low nutrition, can cause diarrhea)
Seeds and pits
Raw beans
Rhubarb
Potato and potato leaves

High-Sugar/High-Starch Foods

❌ Avoid these:

Crackers and bread
Pasta and rice
Corn
Nuts and seeds
Sugary fruits in large amounts
Processed human foods

Water Requirements

Fresh Water Daily

Amount: 50-150ml per kg body weight daily
Type: Fresh, clean water
Container: Heavy ceramic bowl or water bottle
Temperature: Room temperature

Water Quality

Use filtered water if tap water is heavily chlorinated
Change water daily
Clean containers regularly
Monitor consumption (changes may indicate health issues)

Feeding Schedule

Daily Routine

Morning:

Fresh hay refill
Daily pellet portion
1-2 cups vegetables

Evening:

Check hay levels
1-2 cups vegetables
Small healthy treat (optional)

Continuous:

Hay available 24/7
Fresh water always available

Special Dietary Considerations

Baby Rabbits (Under 6 months)

Unlimited alfalfa hay and pellets
Introduce vegetables slowly after 12 weeks
Higher protein needs for growth

Senior Rabbits (6+ years)

May need softer hay
Regular weight monitoring
Possible pellet increase if losing weight
Easier-to-chew vegetables

Overweight Rabbits

Reduce pellets to 1/8 cup per 5 pounds
Increase exercise
More hay, fewer treats
Consult veterinarian

Monitoring Your Rabbit’s Health

Signs of Good Digestion

✅ Regular droppings production ✅ Two types of droppings (hard and soft cecotropes) ✅ Good appetite ✅ Normal activity level ✅ Steady weight

Warning Signs

🚨 Call vet immediately if:

No droppings for 12+ hours
Very small or misshapen droppings
Diarrhea
Not eating for 12+ hours
Lethargy or hunched posture

Common Diet Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

Not enough hay: Leads to digestive problems
Too many pellets: Causes selective eating
Too much fruit: Leads to obesity and dental issues
Sudden diet changes: Can cause digestive upset
Low-quality hay: Brown, dusty, or moldy hay

If you’re interested in other herbivorous small pets with similar dietary needs:

Guinea Pig Diet Basics - Hay-based nutrition with critical vitamin C requirements
Guinea Pig Care Guide - Complete care information for another popular herbivore

Both rabbits and guinea pigs require unlimited hay and fresh vegetables, though guinea pigs have the additional requirement for vitamin C that rabbits can produce naturally.

Remember: Diet is the most important aspect of rabbit care. A proper diet prevents most common rabbit health problems and ensures a long, healthy life for your bunny companion.